Clio
Now starting its third year, plush and stately Clio has clearly made its mark on Boston's culinary landscape, mixing a refined and elegant atmosphere with chef Ken Oringer's Asian-influenced cuisine married to the finest in French culinary techniques. Clio's velveteen banquettes, its luxurious spacing between tables, and its fine service make for as sophisticated a dining experience as you'll find in Boston. As for the food, Oringer has been known to take seafood beloved by the Japanese—the sea urchin for example—and give it the French treatment. Among his standout dishes have been a memorable swordfish au poivre with lentils and shallots, and a garlic-rubbed chicken with a fabulous crispy skin. Perfect for an intimate evening or a night on the town with a group of friends. 370 Commonwealth Ave., Boston, MA .
Steve Kurkjian, the <em>Globe</em>
Head of the Spotlight Team, he's one of the best investigators in journalism. Boston's lucky to have him.
Frank's
Great working-class food in one of Boston's last great working-class suburb. 300 Beacon St., Somerville, MA .
Romagnoli's Table
One of the Marketplace's best, in a North Shore waterfront location that doesn't yet have Boston's crowds. East India Square Mall, Salem, MA .
Parish Cafe
With sandwiches created by Boston's best chefs (Jasper White, Lydia Shire, Jody Adams), how can you go wrong? 361 Boylston Street, Boston, MA .
West Bridge
The egg in a jar is one of Boston's most-talked-about dishes, and for good reason. But don't let that overshadow West Bridge's many other offerings—rather, grab a spot at the bar, befriend the knowledgable bartenders, and let them guide you through a small-plate odyssey. 1 Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02139, westbridgerestaurant.com.
Long's Jewelers
Diamonds are forever, and the same can be said of this family-owned store. (It opened back when Boston's baseball team was called the Red Caps.) Long's especially shines when it comes to service; Tag Heuer watches, luminous Mikimoto pearls, and diamond rings are all covered by a lifetime trade-in policy. 60A South Ave., Burlington, MA 1803, longsjewelers.com.
LaMontagne Gallery
The new South Boston, recently referred to as "SoBo" by the New York Times, may eventually earn such a sobriquet around town thanks to relative upstarts like LaMontagne Gallery. Since 2007 the gallery has introduced a wide range of contemporary artists to the Boston scene, garnering regional and national attention for its exhibitions. 555 E. 2nd St., South Boston, MA lamontagnegallery.com.
Governor Weld
Best: Senate president William Bulger. Says he's "intrigued" by the job of UMass president. Even Better: Boston University president John Silber. Said he was "intrigued" by the job of Boston school superintendent. Absolute Best: Governor Weld. Believed to be "intrigued" by just about any job other than the one he was reelected to.
Ben's Café, Maison Robert
One of the city's earliest rehab projects (Maison Robert used to be Boston's City Hall), its location is elegant, its food French. 45 School St., Boston, MA .
Silvertone
DTX's dining landscape may be changing, but stalwart Silvertone remains one of Boston's most dependable industry hangouts. Find comfort-food bliss in the form of Cajun chicken tacos, bacon mac ’n’ cheese, and garlicky steak tips. 69 Bromfield St., Boston, MA 02108, silvertonedowntown.com.
Flock
Breezy and bohemian, this South End boutique stocks a creative collection of hairpieces and fringed cross-body bags. Look for jewelry set to star in the latest layering trends and sought-after Turkish kilim flats and bags by Boston's Artemis Design Co. Really, all that's missing is your Coachella ticket. 274 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA 02118, flockboston.com.
The Gallows
The Gallows inspired Boston's potato craze with its poutine topped with ricotta curds and rich gravy. The classic will always remain so, but we're also fans of the "Out of Control" variety, with topping combos ranging from Philly cheesesteak to escargot. 1395 Washington St., Boston, MA 02118, thegallowsboston.com.
Sargent Summer
A citywide celebration of the art of John Singer Sargent—at the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fogg Art Museum, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Boston Public Library—provides a rare chance to see the complete picture of this fascinating fin-de-siècle expatriate artists who considered Boston his American home.
Orchard
In the epicenter of Boston's skateboard scene, this Allston hangout takes things way beyond your typical shoes and decks purveyor. The profusion of brands (hats and tees from Somerville-bred Raw sit alongside national names like Nixon) is reason enough to make it your go-to, but Orchard also has cultural cred to spare: After taking a run or catching a demo on the store's mini ramp, pop upstairs to its Extension Gallery and check out works by local artists. 156 Harvard Ave., Allston, MA 2134, orchardshop.com.